Facial cleansers are an essential part of every skincare routine. They remove dirt, oil and other impurities from the skin to give it a fresh look and keep it healthy. But with the umpteen options available in the market, picking the right cleanser can feel like a challenge. Plus, it’s necessary to pick the right one for your skin type if you want to see visible results.
How do you that? With a little help from us, of course. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the different types of facial cleanser available in the market, and how and what to use depending on your skin type.
Clay cleanser

Clay cleansers are a blessing for anyone with oily skin. They are an excellent product to use in summer when sebum production increases and your skin tends to get more oily. Clay has the ability to absorb excess oil and deep-set dirt from the pores to make skin squeaky clean and oil-free. Squeeze the clay cleanser on your palms and apply directly on dry skin; gently massage in circular motions. Dampen face with water and massage again to form a creamy lather and rinse off to reveal clear, smooth skin.
BB picks: Ponds White Beauty Mineral Clay Instant Brightness Facial Foam
Micellar water

Micellar water contains tiny micelles that break down makeup particles, dirt and oil and lift it away with ease. It does not require massaging, rubbing or rinsing. Pour micellar water on a cotton pad and wipe your face gently with it. Since this type of cleanser does not contain soap, oil or alcohol, it is safe to use on the eye and lips too.
BB picks: Simple Daily Skin Detox Oil Be Gone Micellar Water
Cream cleanser

Those with dry skin type can benefit a lot from cream cleansers. As the name suggests, it has a creamy texture and contains moisturising ingredients that won’t make the skin feel dry and tight after washing. The right way to use this type of facial cleanser is by squeezing a small amount of product in your hand and adding a few drops of water to work into a rich lather. Massage onto wet face for at least 30 seconds and wash off.
BB picks: Lakme Blush & Glow Strawberry Creme Face Wash
Gel cleanser

A gel cleanser is often recommended to those with oily and acne-prone skin as it eliminates surface oil and acne-causing bacteria. Gel cleansers come in both foaming and non-foaming variants, however, the method to use them is the same. Take a small amount of product on wet hands and lather up. Then, apply to the dampened face and neck, massaging gently and wash off.
BB picks: Lakme Blush & Glow Lemon Freshness Gel Face Wash
Oil-based cleansers

The most recent type of facial cleanser that has entered the market is the oil-based cleanser. Again, a blessing for those with dry skin types. The formula transforms into cleansing milk upon contact with water. Take a small amount on dry palms and gently smooth over dry face. Wet face to transform oil to cleansing milk and rinse thoroughly.
BB picks: Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Radiance Rinse Off Cleansing Oil
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Apr 16, 2021
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.